Quality Manager

Role overview

This opportunity is with a respected New Zealand-owned food manufacturer in Wellington that is preparing for international export growth. The business places strong emphasis on quality, operational excellence, collaboration, and a people-focused leadership style. The position goes beyond routine compliance and calls for someone who can shape the site’s food safety and quality culture across the organisation.

What you will do

In this role, you will lead a small quality assurance team, strengthen food safety and compliance practices, and make sure products and systems meet high regulatory and customer standards. You will also act as a key cultural leader for site quality, encouraging ownership, best practice, and cross-functional accountability.

• Guide and grow food safety, quality, and compliance systems.
• Help create a quality-first workplace through coaching, leadership, and collaboration across departments.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Food Safety Quality Management System (FSQMS).
• Manage internal and external audits and ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
• Review product complaints, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee the specifications database, environmental monitoring, and grading and release processes.
• Work closely with Production, Product Development, and Supply Chain teams to support ongoing improvement.
• Report to senior leaders and contribute to business-level decisions.

What the employer is looking for

The ideal candidate will already have significant quality leadership experience in the food sector. Strong planning, analysis, and organisation are important, along with a hands-on leadership style and the confidence to influence people at all levels. A solid understanding of FSANZ Food Code requirements, regulatory standards, and food safety system implementation is essential.

Requirements and qualifications

• Degree or tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Microbiology, or Quality Management.
• Training in HACCP, GMP, LEAN, and Lead Auditing is preferred.
• At least 5 years of industry experience with strong knowledge of GMP in New Zealand and international contexts.
• At least 5 years of practical experience building and managing quality and food safety systems.
• At least 5 years of people management and leadership experience.
• Background in technical compliance and systems development within food manufacturing.
• Extensive experience in auditing and laboratory leadership.
• Proven success in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite position based in Wellington, New Zealand. The organisation is an innovative, well-regarded NZ-owned brand with a strong commitment to quality, excellence, and continuous improvement.

How to apply

Applicants should use the available application method or send a CV directly by email to maya@trs.co.nz.